After decades of distinguished service to the legal system, Hon. Thomas A. Stander (Ret.) will step down from his full-time mediation role at Adams Leclair LLP on February 27, 2026.

Justice Stander earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Denison University. Prior to his long tenure on the bench, he practiced law for more than twenty years, focusing on business, contract, corporate, and tax law. He also served his community as Village Justice of Fairport, NY, for fifteen years.

In 1991, Justice Stander was elected to the New York State Supreme Court in the Seventh Judicial District — one of the youngest ever at the time. He made his most enduring mark by creating and presiding over the Commercial Division of the New York State Supreme Court in Monroe County, helping it to become a national model for resolving complex business litigation.

After retiring from the bench in 2018, Justice Stander brought his judicial acumen to Adams Leclair’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practice, guiding parties through hundreds of mediations, covering everything from commercial contract disputes to medical malpractice and construction litigation. He also served on both the Panel of Federal Mediators and the New York State Panel of Mediators.

“Tom Stander’s integrity, dedication, and judicial insight have been central to our ADR practice,” stated Steve Cole, Managing Partner. “Despite his retirement, Tom will remain a guiding light to this firm and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

Judge Stander is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Sally, plus his children and grandchildren. He also plans to attend more Syracuse University sporting events as his blood still runs Orange.